“Wear green, purple & gold and join in one of the Second Line Parades around the city. It's a great way to immerse yourself in the Mardi Gras culture. Just remember to wear comfy shoes as dancing along to the brass band is hard to resist!”
Beat the blues at Mardi Gras in New Orleans
New Orleans
Beads, beer and blues music, New Orleans’ Mardi Gras is a chaotic explosion of celebration, with music and mayhem pulsating from every crack in the brickwork.
Mardi Gras is French for ‘Fat Tuesday’ and symbolises the last day of indulging before fasting. This is Cajun country, so get acquainted with lively flavours.
Lock lips with an infamous beignet at Café du Monde in the French Quarter, and descend on the bakeries, open pre-dawn, for a traditional Mardi Gras ‘King Cake’. These gluttonous treats are ring-shaped and frosted. Inside there’s a tiny plastic baby – find it and tradition insists you have to buy next year’s cake
Claire Jones
House of Travel Devonport
Hi there,
I wanted to share some exciting news— I’ve
recently joined House of Travel Devonport, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
Helping people make their travel dreams come true is my true passion, and I’m
looking forward to many great conversations about all things travel.
Whether you’re an old friend or someone I haven’t had the pleasure of meeting
yet, I’m here to assist with all your travel plans, big or small. With 25 years
in the travel industry, I’ve been fortunate to explore so many amazing
places—Europe, Asia, the Pacific Islands, the USA, Australia, New Zealand, a
bit of Africa, and even some incredible cruises.
Travel has always been close to my heart, and I love sharing my experiences and
tips with others. I believe in making the most of every opportunity, and
there’s no better time to see the world than now. Life is short, and travel
leaves us with wonderful memories and no regrets.
Please feel free to drop by and say hello anytime. I’d love to chat and help
you plan your next adventure.
Claire
Esther Ru Bay
House of Travel Papamoa
Over the last 18 years I have sent many people to many different places, learning more every time.
I enjoy working with people to plan their adventures to create memories to keep for life.
In the last years we have mastered how to deal with flight and regulation changes. Travel is more complicated but we're here to make it as easy as possible for you, so you can explore the world.
Esther
Chloe McKellar
House of Travel Wellington CBD
Customer service has always been drilled into me. After begging my way into a cafe job at 14, I then spent 12 years working in the hospitality industry supervising restaurants and managing specialty cafes.
After spending 3 years in Melbourne, 6 months in South East Asia and a few years in the UK I finally made the switch to the travel industry where I have been able to share my love for travel and customer service ever since.
I made it through the dark years of COVID in the industry which has led me to know to dig that little bit deeper into my clients' travel plans to create that perfect trip, and ensure we really have the best option for you in terms of comfort, reliability, and service. As we just don't know what is round the corner we do!
I've travelled extensively across South East Asia, UK and Europe, spent a lot of time exploring properties in Fiji (and relaxing by the beach) and touched down in the US and Africa. I've got many more places on my bucket list to visit, but if I haven't been, I've got a superb team of people behind me who have and we'll work out the best trip for you!
Chloe
Stephanie Towers
House of Travel Mount Maunganui
Having been born into an aviation family, I was always destined to become a passionate traveller, and have a lifelong fascination for aviation, airports, and exploring new destinations.
Travel is in my blood, and my love for my job shines through, going above and beyond for my clients to ensure their needs are met with warmth, kindness, and an attentive ear.
With a diverse background in the travel industry, my vast experience started with corporate travel for blue chip New Zealand companies, followed by a never-ending OE in London and Sydney in the Music & Film industry looking after global superstars and celebrities. Now back home in the Bay, I’m helping travellers with their holidays, corporate customers heading away for business, and specialising in group travel - whether travelling for sports, education, weddings, conferences, or events. I’m experienced in catering to a wide range of travel preferences and needs.
Whether you're planning a budget-friendly adventure or a luxurious getaway, I’ve tried it all, from economy to first class, I’ve even chartered private jets! I have great first-hand knowledge and I’m eager to share it with you to create a trip full of unforgettable experiences for you.
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